Online shopping, especially during a pandemic, is a convenient and, most importantly, safe solution. What’s more, online stores offer a much wider assortment for people who have a size that is "unusual" for chain stores, and they will certainly find something for themselves. Another advantage is the fact that we can try on a given piece of clothing in different lighting (store lighting is often set up so that clothes look more flattering), check how it goes with clothes we already have in our closet, and as a result, make a reasonable decision "in peace." While in brick-and-mortar stores, it is much easier to make hasty purchases due to the persuasion of salespeople, special promotional campaigns, loyalty programs, and so on. Check out how to shop for clothes online.
Here are a few tricks for successful online shopping:
1. Check size charts
Every brand has its own sizing according to which they tailor their clothes. This is partly due to the phenomenon of "vanity sizing," i.e., increasing sizes so that the customer thinks their size isn't changing, as well as grading sizes in both length and width simultaneously. To avoid returns due to an incorrect size selection, compare your measurements with the size chart posted on the website of the store in question.
2. If you are unsure, order two sizes
Products in two different variants may differ in length and width, so if you are hesitating between sizes, order both. You will be able to compare them and choose the one that suits you. This is a much more convenient solution, as we only order once and return the incorrect size once.
3. See how a given product looks in a different color
Certain product details can be unnoticeable, especially on dark colors; as a result, we might buy something that seemed plain in the photo, but after purchase, it turns out to have a delicate pattern or text. I encourage you to check the same model in other color versions to notice all the details of the product you are interested in.
4. Read other users' reviews
How to shop for clothes online more wisely? More and more often, stores allow their customers to leave a review of the purchased clothing. This is very helpful because we can find out whether to choose our standard size, or perhaps a size larger/smaller than we usually wear, or whether the fabric is pleasant to the touch or if the color corresponds to what we see in the photos.
5. Find the product you are interested in on the brand's profile
Increasingly, brands, including ANSIN, show how their products look on people of different measurements. Furthermore, they are happy to share photos of users wearing their clothes. This gives us a chance to peek at how the product sits on a silhouette other than that of a typical model and in lighting other than studio lighting. When browsing photos on Instagram, pay attention to what these people pair the item with, because this will help you confirm whether it is functional and fits your style as well as many other clothes you already have in your wardrobe.
6. Make sure the clothing is multifunctional by creating a collage
The most important feature of clothing is its multifunctionality; if it goes well with many outfits, it will certainly be a great addition to your wardrobe. To check this, I recommend you create a collage with the clothing you are interested in by putting together an entire outfit – use graphic programs like Canva or Photoshop for this. This will ensure that the colors of the clothes go together and that a particular piece of clothing won't overwhelm the outfit.
7. Buy in larger quantities to save time, money, and the environment
By buying several items, we save time on potential returns because we have only one package instead of, for example, ten, where each would have to be sent to a different address. Additionally, online stores increasingly offer free delivery after exceeding a certain financial threshold (usually after exceeding 150 PLN). What’s more, by ordering a larger quantity, we protect the environment, as the courier comes to us only once, rather than a dozen times, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions.
8. Shop on trusted websites
When buying from little-known and untested online boutiques, you may encounter clothes of very poor quality or even counterfeits. If the product price is surprisingly low and there are not many product photos or customer reviews, it is better to give up on the purchase, as you might get an unpleasant surprise. This is not a rule, as there are many beginner brands that are just starting out and have high-quality clothes. However, I suggest being vigilant in such cases and verifying the stores we shop at from this perspective as well.
9. Before purchasing, pay attention to the return and complaint policy
Increasingly, in the package, besides the product, we immediately get a shipping label and return instructions, which significantly facilitates the process. In addition, some online stores cooperate with courier companies, thereby guaranteeing free clothing returns. It is also important to check the time allowed for returning the package; the longer, the better for us.
Online shopping offers many possibilities, and it is worth using them wisely. So that clothes can serve us for years. Now you know how to shop for clothes online! I wish you happy shopping!
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Anna Ochman Stylist
